System and method for connecting gaming devices to a network for remote play

ABSTRACT

A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/682,095, filed on Oct. 8, 2003, (abandoned) which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/417,913, filed on Oct. 9, 2002, eachof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This applicationis also a continuation-in-part, and incorporates by reference, in itsentirety, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/698,507, filed Oct. 26, 2000entitled “CRYPTOGRAPHY AND CERTIFICATE AUTHORITIES IN GAMING MACHINES”,which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,834 and which is based on, andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/161,591, filedOct. 26, 1999, which is also incorporated by reference, in its entirety.

The present application is also related to, U.S. application Ser. No.09/143,908, filed Aug. 31, 1998 entitled “UNIVERSAL GAMING ENGINE”,which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,413, which was a divisionalapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/959,575 filed Oct. 28, 1997,which issued on Aug. 7, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,223, which was adivisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/358,242 filedDec. 19, 1994 which issued on Jan. 13, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,286.Each of the foregoing patents and applications are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to electronic devices. Inparticular, the invention relates to methods and systems of interactivegaming.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Traditionally, the way for a gaming operator to increase revenue fromgaming devices is to increase the number of gaming devices available forplay. In order for casinos to increase the number of gaming devicesavailable for play, casino floor space must be added to house theadditional gaming devices. The floor space allocated to house additionalgaming devices must meet specific criteria as defined by the gamingauthority for the jurisdiction in which the gaming devices are to belocated. Providing additional floor space is an expensive process forcasino operators and often requires constructing new casino properties.Also, adding gaming devices typically requires payment of additionallicensing fees for each additional game.

A trend in the gaming industry has been to provide Internet gaming.Internet gaming allows players to make wagers on the outcome of casinostyle games similar to that described above, except that the player doesnot have to be physically located in a casino to do so. Internet playersmake wagers and play casino games using a personal computer and wager ongames running on computers connected to the Internet.

More broadly, interactive gaming is the conduct of gambling gamesthrough the use of electronic devices. The popularity of Internetgambling sites has indicated a strong market for remotely accessiblegaming, or other interactive gaming. Regulated casino operators stronglydesire to provide interactive gaming while capitalizing on existinginfrastructure. Thus there is a need for improved electronic devicesthat support regulated remote gaming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system of the present invention has several aspects, no single oneof which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Withoutlimiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims whichfollow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description of the Invention” one will understand howthe features of this invention provide advantages which includeproviding remote gaming in regulated environment.

A gaming system and method of using the same to allow a host gamingdevice to be played from remote player devices to allow casino operatorsto obtain maximum advantage from their gaming licenses.

More particularly, in one embodiment gaming system may comprise a datanetwork, a host gaming device connected to the data network, the gamingdevice configured to execute at least one game and a plurality of remoteplayer devices connected to the data network. Each of the remote playerdevices is configured to receive game information provided by the hostgaming device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receivegaming data may be based upon, at least in part, the geographic locationof the remote player device.

The host gaming device may be configured to allow no more than apredetermined number of remote player devices to concurrently receivegame information provided by the host gaming device during the gamingsession. This predetermined number may be determined by a gaming agency.

In another embodiment of a gaming system, at least one of the pluralityof remote player devices may be permitted to receive game data basedupon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote playerdevice, an age of a user of the remote player device.

A gaming system according to the invention may also include a centralgaming controller configured to record gaming transactions on the hostgaming device and on each remote gaming device.

The data network may be, in part, the Internet, and be comprised of oneor more logical segment, which may include closed-loop networks. Thehost gaming device may be configured to identify the geographic locationof a remote player device based, at least in part, on a logical segmentcorresponding to the remote player device. A mobile communicationsnetwork, or a GPS device may also allow identification of the geographiclocation of the remote player device.

The host gaming device may be in a location approved by a gaming agencyand include at least one game control configured to provide local use.This game control may be disabled when the host gaming device isproviding game information to a remote player device. A host gamingdevice may also be configured to save an encrypted game state allowing agame to be resumed following a device or network failure.

A remote player device may be coupled to a credential device configuredto receive information relating to a user of the remote player device.The information relating to a user may include the age of the user, or apassword that is input by the user. The credential device is a smartcard reader, a biometric device such as a fingerprint reader, or anytype of input device. The credentials may be verified againstinformation, such as age, password, or fingerprint in a databaseconfigured to provide information associated with each of a plurality ofusers of the gaming system.

In another embodiment, a gaming system may be comprised of a means forexecuting at least one game, the game providing game information duringits execution, a local access means provides local access to the gameinformation for a user in a location approved by a gaming agency, playermeans for receiving game information, presenting the game information toa user and providing at least one game control, a means for providingthe game information over a data network to a predetermined number ofreceiving means, means for determining the location of the receivingmeans, and means for disabling the local access means. Other similarembodiments may also be comprised of means for creating an auditablerecord of gaming transactions on the playing means and on the gamingmeans.

Another embodiment of a gaming system, in addition to the features ofthe embodiments discussed above, may also include customized promotionalmessages to players of gaming devices.

On a remote player device, an embodiment of a method of remotelyaccessing a host gaming device may include: establishing access to thehost gaming device through a data network, receiving gaming relatedinformation from the host gaming device through the data network,presenting the gaming related information to a player, receiving atleast one control signal from the player, sending the control signal tothe host gaming device through the data network, and disabling local useof the host gaming device. In one embodiment, the method may alsoinclude recording each gaming transaction occurring on the remote playerdevice. Another embodiment of the method may include providing ageographic location of the remote player device. In another embodimentof the method, the age of the user of the remote player device is alsoprovided.

On a host gaming device, an embodiment of a method of providing remoteaccess, including: verifying the geographic location of a remote playerdevice, establishing a gaming session on a host gaming device from aremote player device through a data network, receiving at least onecontrol signal from the remote player device through the data network,and sending gaming related information from the gaming device throughthe data network. One embodiment of a method may also include recordingeach gaming transaction occurring on the host gaming device,

In order to provide tolerance for failures of system components, amethod of resuming an interrupted gaming session on a gaming device isprovided. One embodiment of a method may include generating a gamingstate of the gaming session on the first gaming device, encrypting thegaming state, transporting the encrypted gaming state from the gamingdevice. The method may also include the converse: transporting theencrypted gaming state from the first gaming device to a second gamingdevice, decrypting the gaming state on the second gaming device; andloading the game state into a second gaming device to resume the gamingsession.

An embodiment of a gaming system which provides for resuming interruptedgaming sessions across a data network. The system may include a firsthost gaming device connected to the data network, the gaming deviceconfigured to execute at least one game, generate a gaming state basedon execution of at least one game, encrypt the gaming state, and sendthe encrypted gaming state over the data network. A second host gamingdevice may be connected to the data network, the second gaming deviceconfigured to receive the encrypted gaming state over the data network,decrypt the gaming state, and resume executing at least one game fromthe gaming state. A plurality of remote player devices, configured toreceive game information provided by the host gaming device, may beconnected to the data network. The gaming state may include user paymentor credit information, and game jackpot or payout information.

Another embodiment of a gaming system providing resumption ofinterrupted gaming sessions may include means for executing at least onegame, means for generating a gaming state based on execution of at leastone game, means for encrypting the gaming state, and means for sendingthe encrypted gaming state. The system may also include means forreceiving the encrypted gaming state, means for decrypting the gamingstate and means for resuming executing at least one game from the gamingstate.

To enable gaming regulatory compliance, methods authenticating gamingsystem users are also provide. An embodiment of a method ofauthenticating a user of a host gaming device may include receiving asecurity certificate from the smart card, sending the securitycertificate from the gaming device to an authenticator device, receivingan authentication reply from the authenticator, and playing a game inresponse to the authentication reply.

An embodiment of the method may also include presenting the securitycertificate from the gaming device to a certificate authority forauthentication over a data network.

An embodiment of a method of authenticating a user of a remote playerdevice for playing a host gaming device may include receiving an indiciaof identity for a user, sending the indicia of identity to anauthenticator device, receiving an authentication reply from theauthenticator device, and authorizing use of a host gaming device basedon the indicia of identity. The indicia of identity for a user may beprovided by a biometric device, a smart card, or a password provided bythe user.

Another embodiment of a gaming system provides authentication of users.The system may include a data network, a host gaming device interfacedto the data network, a plurality of remote player devices interfaced tothe data network, and a security device configured to provide playercredentials to at least one remote player device. The each of the remoteplayer devices may be configured to receive game information provided bythe host gaming device. The host gaming device may provide gameinformation to a predetermined number of permitted remote playerdevices. Whether a remote player device is permitted to receive gaminginformation may be based upon, at least in part, on player credentialsprovided by the security device.

In one embodiment, a method of remotely accessing a gaming deviceprovides for creating records of gaming transactions on both host gamingdevices and remote player devices sufficient to provide an auditablerecord for a gaming authority in the jurisdiction. The method mayinclude establishing a gaming session on a gaming device for a remoteplayer device through a data network, sending gaming related informationfrom the gaming device through the data network, receiving at least onecontrol signal from the remote player device through the data network,creating an auditable gaming session record representing each gamingtransaction of a gaming session on the host gaming device and on theremote gaming device. In addition, the record may be sent to a thirdparty, such as a gaming authority, through the data network.

In another embodiment of a gaming system, the gaming system includes anetwork comprised of a plurality of logical segments. A security policycontrols the flow of data between logical segments. A host gaming devicemay be connected to the data network, the gaming device configured toexecute at least one game. A plurality of remote player devices may beconnected to the data network. The plurality of remote player devicesare each configured to receive game information provided by the hostgaming device, and to control a gaming session established on the gamingdevice, subject to the security policy. The security policy may bebased, at least in part, on the geographic location of a logicalsegment.

One embodiment of the gaming system may include a promotional messageserver to deliver customized promotional messages to users of the gamingsystem. In this embodiment, a gaming system may include a data network,a promotional message server configured to provide customizedpromotional messages. Each message may be customized with informationassociated with a user of the gaming system. In addition, a gamingsystem may include a host gaming device interfaced to the data network,and a plurality of remote player devices interfaced to the data network.The plurality of remote player devices are each configured to receivegame information provided by the host gaming device and to receive andpresent promotional messages.

In another embodiment, a gaming system may include a means for datacommunication, means for executing at least one game, means forproviding game information over the data network to a predeterminednumber of receiving means, a plurality of means for receiving gameinformation over the data communication means. Each means for receivinggame information may be coupled to a means for receiving customizedpromotional messages. A gaming system may also include a means forpresenting promotional messages in conjunction with gaming data.

A related method of displaying information on a remote player device isalso provided. The method may include receiving a promotional message ona remote player device, presenting the promotional message inconjunction with gaming information for an amount of time; and removingthe promotional message from the remote player device. Information inthe promotional message may be used to calculate the amount of time topresent the promotional message.

A remote player interface of a gaming system may have a number ofembodiments. In one embodiment of a gaming system, the gaming systemincludes data network, a host gaming device interfaced to the datanetwork, and at least one remote player device interfaced to the datanetwork. The remote player device is configured to receive gameinformation provided by the host gaming device. The remote playerinterface of the gaming system may include a video display device incommunication with the remote player device and a remote control devicein communication with the remote player device. The remote controldevice is configured to control operation of a game.

An embodiment of method of remotely accessing a gaming device mayinclude establishing a gaming session on the host gaming device from aremote player device through a data network, receiving gaming relatedinformation from the host gaming device through the data network,presenting gaming related information to a player via a video displaydevice, receiving at least one control signal generated by a remotecontrol device for controlling the gaming session, and sending thecontrol signal to the host gaming device through the data network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified block diagram of a gaming system accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified block diagram of system elements relating toa host gaming device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified block diagram of system elements relating toa remote player device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for acknowledgingcommand messages in a gaming system as embodied in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for establishinga remote gaming session, playing a game, and terminating the remotegaming session in a gaming system as embodied in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for transferringfunds from a player's source of funds in the gaming system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for a host gamingdevice of FIG. 2 to connect to a network using security certificates anda certificate authority.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for a gamingdevice of FIG. 2 to build and deliver an encrypted block of datarepresenting the complete state of the gaming device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting the sequence of events for retrieving ablock of data representing the state of a gaming device from a databaseand loading the block into a gaming device as performed by a gamingsystem embodiment as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed block diagram of a gaming system as depictedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a detailed block network diagram of a portion of a gamingsystem as depicted in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. Inthis description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like partsare designated with like numerals throughout.

In a traditional casino environment, gaming devices are generallylocated on a gaming floor. Gaming devices are subject to regulation bygaming regulatory agencies. Regulations may limit the locations wheregaming devices may be placed and by limit users of gaming devices tothose of legal age to gamble in the respective jurisdiction. Regulatoryagencies for a given jurisdiction may also limit the number of licensedgaming devices provided to a licensee. Where gaming devices arephysically located on a casino gaming floor, verification of whether adevice is being used in its licensed location within the jurisdictionmay be determined by physical inspection of the gaming floor. Further,monitoring of the gaming floor in casinos ensures that players are oflegal age as set by the jurisdiction.

An embodiment of a gaming system according to the present inventionallows a licensed host gaming device to be used by one or more remoteplayer devices geographically separated from the host gaming device, butstill located within the jurisdiction of a gaming authority. FIG. 1depicts a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming system100 according to the invention. One or more host gaming devices 160,161, 162 are licensed gaming devices. Although three host gaming devicesare shown on FIG. 1, the gaming system 100 may employ any number of hostgaming devices ranging from one to thousands. For convenience ofdiscussion, set forth below is a description of certain aspects of thehost gaming device 160. It is to be appreciated that the other gamingdevices may contain the following or different aspects.

A host gaming device may be any device, comprised of electronic,mechanical, or a combination of electronic and mechanical components,which is used for gaming and which affects the result of a wager bydetermining win or loss. A host gaming device 160 is connected to a datanetwork 150. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the data network ofgaming system 100 is comprised of three logical segments. Gaming network150 connects each host gaming device 160 and related elements such asthe database 170 and central gaming controller 180. Remote network 120connects remote player devices 110, 111, 112 to the system. Backbonenetwork 140 provides interconnection between the gaming network 150 andthe remote network 120.

The database 170 may be computer server running database software, orany other commercially available database solution. In one embodiment,as depicted, the database 170, is a casino database. In otherembodiments, the database may also contain other data related, orunrelated to the casino operation.

Remote network 120 connects remote player devices 110, 111, 112 to thesystem. Each remote player device 110 allows a user to play a gameexecuting on a host gaming device 160. For convenience of discussion,set forth below is a description of certain aspects of the remote playerdevice 110. It is to be appreciated that the other remote player devicesmay contain the following or different aspects. Although three remoteplayer devices are shown on FIG. 1, the gaming system 100 may employ anynumber of remote player devices ranging from one to thousands.

The remote network 120 may be any form of computer network, as discussedbelow. In one particular embodiment, the remote network 120 is part of anetwork provided by a cable television system. FIG. 10 depicts anembodiment of a gaming system where the remote network 120 is providedthrough a digital home communications terminal (DHCT) 1000, such as aset-top box.

Each host gaming device 160 may be located in any location approved by agaming agency, such as a casino gaming floor. A host gaming device 160provides a legally regulated random number generator. Once generation ofrandom number has been performed, a game result is determined. Anyfurther interaction through the game's user interface is for the benefitof a user. For example, in one embodiment of a gaming system, the hostgaming device may be a slot machine. After payment is made, through acoin, token, credit device, etc, the player pulls a lever arm to executeplay. In a mechanical game, for example, a slot machine, a game resultmay be determined by the interaction of spinning wheels. In a hostgaming device 160 of an embodiment of the present invention, however,pulling the arm triggers generation of a random number which determinesthe game result. Thus any spinning wheels or its electronic equivalentis purely for entertainment of the user. A host gaming device 160 playsat least one game of chance, including, but not limited to, Slots,Blackjack, Poker, Keno, Bingo, or Lotteries.

FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of agaming system 100 showing additional gaming system elements coupled tothe host gaming device 160. The host gaming device 160 may include localcontrols 220 such as an arm. The host gaming device 160 may have adisplay 210 to present the results of a game to a user. Further, thegaming device 160 may have a smart card reader 280. Functions of thesmart card reader 280 may include receiving payment for a game, oridentifying a user for promotional or loyalty programs. A biometricidentity device 290, such as a fingerprint scanner, may be used forsimilar functions by the gaming system.

Networks 120, 140, 150 may include any type of electronically connectedgroup of computers including, for instance, the following networks:Internet, Intranet, Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wide Area Networks(WAN). In addition, the connectivity to the network may be, for example,remote modem, Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Token Ring (IEEE 802.5), FiberDistributed Datalink Interface (FDDI) Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM),Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11), or Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1). Note thatcomputing devices may be desktop, server, portable, hand-held, set-top,or any other desired type of configuration. As used herein, the networkincludes network variations such as the public Internet, a privatenetwork within the Internet, a secure network within the Internet, aprivate network, a public network, a value-added network, an intranet,and the like. In embodiments of the present invention where the Internetis the backbone network 140, gaming network 150 and remote network 120may form a virtual private network (VPN) transported over the Internet.

In preferred embodiments, the remote network 120 may be a closed-loopnetwork, such as the cable network depicted in FIG. 10. A closed-loopnetwork 120 may have a limited geographic scope which allows thegeographic location of a remote player device 110 to be identified. Forexample, a given cable network may be limited to a specific hotel. Eachhotel room may be provided with a remote player device 110 which maythen be identified with that location. In other embodiments, the remotenetwork 120 may be a mobile telephone network which is capable ofidentifying a caller's geographic location.

As depicted in the simplified block diagram of FIG. 3, a remote playerinterface 300 may comprise a remote player device 110, a display 310 forpresenting game information and a control 320 to provide user gamecontrol for the remote player device 160. In one embodiment, a remoteplayer interface 110 may also comprise a remote control 395 to providegame controls. In preferred embodiments of the remote control, theconnection 394 between the remote control 395 and the remote playerdevice 160 may be any type of wireless connection, including infra-redbased protocols, or a RF wireless protocol such as Bluetooth (802.15.1).The remote control 395 may also be connected to the remote player device160 through a wired connection such as Universal Serial Bus (USB),serial, or equivalent connection. The remote control 395 may alsoinclude controls customized for gaming. A handheld computer may alsocomprise a remote control 395.

The display 310 may be a television, a personal computer, or a handheldcomputer device. A fixed or wireless telephone handset may comprise adisplay 310 and controls 320 of a remote player interface. In someembodiments the controls 320 may be integrated with display 310, as forinstance, in a touch screen.

In one embodiment, the game information may be a random number whichrepresents the result of the game, information related to gaming devicejackpots, or player credits. In another embodiment, the gaminginformation may be multimedia, sound and images, including, in oneembodiment, video, representing the execution of a game. In anotherembodiment, game information may also be software for execution on aremote player device 110 or on any element of a remote player interface300, such as a remote control 395, which interactively presents the gamethrough the remote player interface 300.

To enable regulatory conformance of the gaming system, gaming deviceusers must be geographically within an approved jurisdiction and oflegal age in the jurisdiction. In a regulated gaming environment, suchas a gaming floor, physical control of the premises allows enforcementof this requirement. For remote player devices 110 not operated in theregulated gaming environment of a gaming floor, the age of the user of aremote player device 110 must be verified before game information isprovided by a host gaming device 160. Credentials may be received from auser using a variety of security devices and compared to records, suchas in a database 170 to confirm identity and thus age of the user.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, a gaming system 100may identify the geographic location of a remote player device 110. Asdiscussed above, a network 120 may be a closed-loop network 120 whosedevices are thereby identified in geographic location by the location ofthat network. Other embodiments may employ a GPS system on the remoteplayer device 110 to provide the geographic location of the device 110.In other embodiments, the remote network 120 may be a mobilecommunications network which provides the geographic location of networkclients, such as a remote player device 110.

In one embodiment, a security device may be a smart card reader 380 thatis coupled to the remote player device 110. In embodiments using a smartcard reader, a user inserts a smart card into the reader which providescredentials sufficient to verify the age of the user. In one suchembodiment, indicia present on the smart card reader are compared torecords in a casino database 170 to verify the age of the user.

In other embodiments, a remote player device 110 may be coupled to abiometric identity device 390, such as a fingerprint scanner. In oneembodiment, information received from the biometric identity device 390may be compared to records in a casino database 170 to verify the age ofthe user. In other embodiments a biometric identity device 390 may beretinal scanner or facial recognition device.

In some embodiments, the controls 320 may include an input device (notpictured in FIG. 3) coupled to a remote player device 110 to receive apassword or PIN as a security device. The password or PIN may becompared to information, such as records in a casino database 170 toverify the identity, and thus the age, of the remote player device user.For example, the input device may be a keyboard, rollerball, pen andstylus, mouse, or voice recognition system. The input device may also bea touch screen associated with an output device. The user may respond toprompts on the display by touching the screen. The user may entertextual or graphic information through the input device. The controls320 may be coupled to a display 310 in the form of a personal computer,a television, a television with a set-top box, a handheld computer, or atelephone, fixed or mobile, handset.

Embodiments of a remote player device 110 may be a television, a cableinteractive set-top box, a remote control, a personal computer, or amobile or fixed telephone handset. Another embodiment may comprise ahandheld computer coupled to a fixed or preferably wireless network.Also, a host gaming device 160 may also be a remote player device 110.

In one embodiment, a remote gaming device 110 may be in a locationapproved by a gaming agency with controls 320 and display 310 whichmatch the appearance of a stand-alone gaming device. For example, aremote gaming device 110 may be appear to be a slot machine with an armcontrol 320, a mechanical or electronic “slots” display 310. In otherembodiments, remote gaming devices 110, regardless of location, may havecontrols and displays which match the appearance of a host gaming device160. This may include control devices coupled to personal computers orset-top boxes which may be customized for one or more games.

Indicia of identity and age received from a smart card reader 380,biometric identity device 390, or user entry of a password may also becompared to records stored on the remote player device 110. For example,a remote player device 110 in a hotel room may be programmed by hotelstaff to store identification information for eligible guests in theroom containing the gaming device without the identification informationbeing included in the casino database 170. In these embodiments, accessto the remote player device thus may itself be an indicium of legal ageto the central gaming controller 180 or host gaming device 160.

A central gaming controller 180 may manage the interaction of remoteplayer devices and host gaming devices. The central gaming controller180 may comprise one or more server computers or may be integrated witha host gaming device. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, theapplication server 1027 and request processing servers 1023 comprise thecentral gaming controller 180.

One embodiment of a gaming system 100 comprises a single remote playeron a remote player device 110 establishing a gaming session on a hostgaming device 160 with no local player using the host gaming device 160.In this embodiment, the local controls 220 of a host gaming device 160become disabled for local play during the remote gaming session.Correspondingly, a host gaming device 160 in this embodiment alsobecomes unavailable for remote play while a player uses the localcontrols 220 to use the host gaming device 160.

Another embodiment comprises a single player using the local controls220 of a host gaming device 160 and a single remote player on remoteplayer device 110 concurrently. Thus in this embodiment, the local gamecontrols 220 on the host gaming device 160 are not disabled during theremote gaming session.

Another embodiment of the gaming system 100 comprises a single localplayer of the host gaming device 160 and multiple remote players on aplurality of remote player devices 110 having concurrent gamingsessions. A similar embodiment comprises multiple concurrent remoteplayers and no local players on the host gaming device 160 because thelocal controls 220 may be disabled during the remote gaming sessions.

Another embodiment of a gaming system 100 comprises one or more remoteplayer devices 110 which are physically located in a location approvedby a gaming agency and networked to a host gaming device 160 that hostsboth local and remote player sessions. Players physically located in thecasino may occupy a remote player device 110 and play the games providedby the host gaming device 160. Concurrently, gaming sessions to one ormore remote player devices 110 physically located outside the casino maybe provided. Thus, in this embodiment, players may concurrently playusing the host gaming device 160, a physically remote player device 110,or a remote player device 110 in a location approved by a gaming agency.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises one or more remote playerdevices 110, physically located in a location approved by a gamingagency and at least one host gaming device 160. In this embodiment,player sessions may only be established on a host gaming device 160 froma remote player device 110 if that remote player device 110 isphysically located in a location approved by a gaming agency, such as acasino gaming floor. Players may also play the host gaming device 160using local controls 220 concurrently with remote player sessions. Thus,in this embodiment, players may concurrently play using the host gamingdevice 160, or a remote player device 110 that is located in a locationapproved by a gaming agency.

In each of the above disclosed embodiments, the remote player devices110 that may concurrently receive game information from a host gamingdevice 160 may be limited to a predetermined number that is determinedby a regulatory gaming agency for the jurisdiction.

A remote player device 110 that is physically located in the casino in alocation approved by a gaming agency, such as a casino gaming floor, maydiffer from a remote player device physically located outside the casinofloor. In one embodiment, a remote player device 110 located in alocation approved by a gaming agency resembles the appearance of astand-alone gaming device and may thus be similar in appearance andoperation to the host gaming device 160.

In one embodiment, a remote player device 110 requests game data fromthe host gaming device 160 by sending a request for a game to a centralgaming controller 180. The central gaming controller 180 then transmitsthe request for a game to the host gaming device 160. The host gamingdevice 160 receives the request and provides game data to the centralgaming controller 180 that passes to the remote player device 110. Thatinformation is then translated into a game by the remote player device110 and displayed or performed to the player. The remote player device110 may contain on-board hardware and software that may be required topresent a game. The regulated portion of hardware and software requiredto execute a game, such as a random number generator, is on the hostgaming device 160 and the information transmitted to the remote playerdevice 110 each time a game is requested.

Gaming devices according to an embodiment of the invention may usemixed-protocol delivery systems for game content and game results. Gameinformation and results comprising image and sound data may be deliveredby packet based network protocols such as IP datagrams, byconnection-oriented network protocols, or by a combination of both.Streaming media protocols may also be employed. During a given gamingsession, these communication methods may be used interchangeably orconcurrently.

In one embodiment, communication over the data networks 120, 140, or150, may use IP datagrams to package image and sound data comprising ahost gaming device interface and display, encrypts it, and delivers itto the remote player device.

Internet Protocol (IP) is a network layer protocol used by manycorporations, governments, and the Internet worldwide. IP is aconnectionless network layer protocol that performs addressing, routingand control functions for transmitting and receiving datagrams over anetwork. The network layer routes packets from source to destination. AnIP datagram is a data packet comprising a header part and a data part.The header part includes a fixed-length header segment and avariable-length optional segment. The data part includes the informationbeing transmitted over the network. As a connectionless protocol, IPdoes not require a predefined path associated with a logical networkconnection. Hence, IP does not control data path usage. If a networkdevice or line becomes unavailable, IP provides the mechanism needed toroute datagrams around the affected area.

The remote player interacts with a game through a remote playerinterface 300. A remote player device 110 may send commands back to thecentral gaming controller 180 as, in one embodiment, IP datagrams. TheIP datagrams are interpreted by the central gaming controller 180 andused to proxy user interface interaction between the gaming device andthe remote player. Game results may also be packaged as IP datagrams anddelivered to the remote player through this method.

Alternative embodiments may use connection-oriented protocols such asTCP, or a combination of connection oriented protocols andconnectionless packet protocols such as IP. Transmission ControlProtocol (TCP) is a transport layer protocol used to provide a reliable,connection-oriented, transport layer link among computer systems. Thenetwork layer provides services to the transport layer. Using a two-wayhandshaking scheme, TCP provides the mechanism for establishing,maintaining, and terminating logical connections among computer systems.TCP transport layer uses IP as its network layer protocol. Additionally,TCP provides protocol ports to distinguish multiple programs executingon a single device by including the destination and source port numberwith each message. TCP performs functions such as transmission of bytestreams, data flow definitions, data acknowledgments, lost or corruptdata re-transmissions, and multiplexing multiple connections through asingle network connection. Finally, TCP is responsible for encapsulatinginformation into a datagram structure.

Static content comprising the game interface or other elements of thegame may be delivered to the remote player device 110 and stored on theremote player device. This delivery of content may use a mixed-protocolas described above. A static image may be a fixed image or an animationactivated by the remote control device. Such images may further beoverlaid with additional game content such as images and sound that isdelivered dynamically during game play.

In an embodiment of the invention, a central gaming controller 180converts image and sound data comprising the gaming device interface anddisplay from the remote machine into a data stream (for example but notlimited to MPEG-2), encrypts it, and delivers it to the remote playerdevice 110. The remote player interacts with the game using the remoteplayer interface 300 to send commands back to the central gamingcontroller as IP datagrams. The IP datagrams may be interpreted by thecentral gaming controller 180 and used to proxy user interfaceinteraction between the gaming device 160 and the remote player device110. Game results may also be packaged as a data stream and delivered tothe remote player through this method.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a method employed when a command messageis acknowledged by a central gaming controller 180 according to oneembodiment of a gaming system 100. Depending on the embodiment,additional steps may be added, others removed, steps merged, or theorder of the steps rearranged. Note that in some embodiments, not allmessages received by the central gaming controller 180 need beacknowledged. Starting at step 401, a command message is sent to thecentral gaming controller 180 by a host on the network. The host may beremote player device 110 used for remote play, or other authorizednetwork devices. Next, at step 405, a qualified request message isreceived by the central gaming controller 180. Moving to step 410, themessage is then recorded in a database. The database may be a casinodatabase 170. Proceeding to step 415, the message is processed and aresponse prepared. Next at step 420, the response is recorded in thedatabase. Moving to step 425, the response is sent back to therequesting device. At step 430, a test to determine whether anacknowledgment of the message has been received is made. Continuing atstep 435, if the timeout value has passed control continues to step 440,if the timeout period has not expired control returns to step 430.Moving to step 440, whether the message has not been acknowledged by theoriginating host is tested. If acknowledgement has been received,control proceeds to 445, if not control proceeds to step 455. At step445, the message status is recorded as “RECEIVED” and the process movesto the end state. Returning to step 455, where the process flowcontinues following an unacknowledged message, the system sends a statusrequest message to the sending host. Next, at step 460, if theoriginating device responds to the message then flow continues to step465, otherwise control moves to step 480. Moving to step 465, adiagnostic message is sent to query whether the originating device isready to receive the original message. Next at step 470, if theoriginating host responds that it is ready to receive the originalmessage, then control transfers to step 425 but if the originating hostfails to respond then control moves to step 480. Moving to step 480, thestatus of the originating host is set to offline until such time as theoriginating host can respond or reinitializes, and the process moves tothe end state.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting a method used when a request for aremote gaming session is received, when playing a game, and whenterminating the remote gaming session. Depending on the embodiment,additional steps may be added, others removed, steps merged, or theorder of the steps rearranged. Starting at 510, a request for a remotegaming session is received as a request for a secured encryptedconnection to the central gaming controller 180. Included in the requestare the remote players security credentials in the form of a securitycertificate, for example, X.509 certificate. Next at 515, the securitycredentials are authenticated. This authentication may be performed bysubmitting the security certificate to a certificate authority forauthentication. Moving to 520 if the player is not authenticated,control reverts to 515. Continuing to step 525, the central gamingcontroller 180 establishes a secure encrypted connection with the remoteplayer device 110. Next, at step 530, if required the player transfersfunds to use during the remote gaming session. Continuing to step 535,the player then chooses a host gaming device 160 to play. Next, at step540, in one embodiment, when a host gaming device 160 is chosen forremote access play the local controls of the host gaming device 160 isdisabled to prevent local play. Moving on to step 545, a remote playsession is opened on the host gaming device 160. Continuing at step 550,after a remote gaming session is established on the host gaming device,the central gaming controller 180 sends a message to the host gamingdevice 160 instructing it to displace representations of its usercontrols, graphics and sounds to the remote player interface 300. Thecentral gaming controller 180 directs the host gaming device 160controls over the secured encrypted connection and manages the remotegaming session. Next at step 555, the remote player may transfer fundsfrom a player account to the host gaming device 160 for wagering on thehost gaming device 160. Moving to step 560, a wager is made. Next at,656 a game is played. Continuing to step 570, the central gamingcontroller 180 delivers the results of the game to the remote playerinterface 300. Next at step 571, the remote player may repeat thesequence from step 560. Next at step 575, if there are any credits onthe host gaming device 160 when the player terminates the remote gamingsession, the central gaming controller 180 automatically transfers thosecredits back to the players account. Moving to step 580, the centralgaming controller 180 terminates the remote gaming session with the hostgaming device 160. Continuing to step 585, the central gaming controller180, enables local play on the host gaming device 160, control is thentransferred to the end state.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method for a host gaming device 160 tobecome connected to a network using security certificates and acertificate authority. Depending on the embodiment, additional steps maybe added, others removed, steps merged, or the order of the stepsrearranged. Starting at 705, a host gaming device 160 starts the processof connecting to a network as part of its initialization mode.Continuing to step 720, at a point during initialization, the hostgaming device 160 submits a security certificate to a certificateauthority for authentication. Moving to step 725, the certificateauthority authenticates the certificate. Next at step 730, if thecertificate is authenticated control moves to step 740, otherwisecontrol moves to step 735. Continuing on to step 740, the host gamingdevice 160 is permitted onto the network and the process moves to itsend state. Returning to step 735, if the certificate is notauthenticated then a log entry is generated and the host gaming device160 is not permitted onto the network.

Embodiments according to the invention may also use instant messagingand/or email messaging systems. Typical instant messaging systems permitcomputer users to type text messages and add file attachments into ahost program and have the host program automatically deliver the textthrough a virtual direct connection to a target computer. Public emailsystems are those available for general use, as over the internet.Examples of public instant messaging systems in use today include butare not limited to chat programs like IRC, MSN Messenger, AOL InstantMessaging and a host of others. Private systems are restricted to acasino or gaming system. Typical email messaging systems permit messagesand file attachments to be entered into a host program and addressed toa specific recipient on a network. These messages may not be delivereddirectly to the addressee, but are sent to a storage area where therecipient may retrieve the message at a time of their own choosing.

Gaming devices 160 and remote player devices 110 routinely exchangeinformation with a central gaming controller 180 for, typically, but notlimited to, account and game tracking functions. In one embodiment ofthe invention, devices may send and receive data over public and/orprivate email-type messaging systems. The message body of any particularmessage may vary, using a proprietary or non-proprietary format, and maybe encrypted or in human-readable format. Messages may be sent at a timedetermined by the message originator, typically, but not exclusively, inresponse to an event. The recipient of the message may be any devicecapable of consuming the message. The message recipient may beresponsible for checking the prescribed message storage area formessages addressed to it. The message recipient may reply to a receivedmessage or may generate a new message to a specific recipient, a groupof recipients, or all recipients connected to the system. Remote playerdevices 110 may periodically check for new messages in the system andprocess them.

According to one embodiment of the invention, gaming devices 160 maysend and receive data over public and/or private instant messagingsystems. The message body of any particular message may vary, using aproprietary or non-proprietary format, and may be encrypted or inhuman-readable format. Messages may be sent at a time determined by themessage originator, typically, but not exclusively, in response to anevent. The recipient of the message may be any device capable ofconsuming the message. Both the gaming device 160 and the messagerecipient may queue incoming and outgoing messages. Queuing messagespermits devices involved in instant message communications to accept newmessages while processing received messages and to generate outgoingmessages for delivery as system resources permit.

In another embodiment according to the invention, devices may send andreceive data over public and/or private email-type messaging systems.The message body of any particular message may vary, using a proprietaryor non-proprietary format, and may be encrypted or in human-readableformat. Messages may be sent at a time determined by the messageoriginator, typically, but not exclusively, in response to an event. Therecipient of the message may be any device capable of consuming themessage. The message recipient may be responsible for checking theprescribed message storage area for messages addressed to it. Themessage recipient may reply to a received message or may generate a newmessage to a specific recipient, a group of recipients, or allrecipients connected to the system. Gaming system devices 110 and 160may periodically check for new messages in the system and process them.

Embodiments according to the invention may present promotional messagesduring remote play sessions. Messages sent may comprise instant messagesfor promotional information, notification of events, or other pieces ofinformation that can be communicated electronically. Promotionalmessages may also include jackpot and bonus information. A promotionalmessage server may be used to construct and send promotional messages.In one embodiment, a computer server, comprising a central gamingcontroller 180, may also comprise the promotional message server.

A user interface may be provided to construct message templates. Thesetemplates are then used to construct a deliverable message. Embodimentsof a message template may comprise a timeout value that indicates howlong the message is to be displayed, the frequency with which themessage displays in relationship to other scheduled messages, alimitation value that prevents the message from being displayed toooften and an expiration date after which the message is no longer usedin the system. Custom graphics and display modes may also be specifiedfor a message template, such as icons, animations and various scrollingmethods.

A remote player device 110 may present a promotional message for anamount of time determined from the contents of the promotional message.The promotional message may be presented to a user in conjunction withgaming information. The presentation may contain icons, animations, andvarious scrolling methods. In addition multimedia such as sound andvideo may be utilized.

The promotional message server may also provide a dynamic data insertionfunction to insert player information such as the player's name orbirthday into a message prior to delivery. Dynamic data insertion may beaccomplished through the use of specialized tags within the messagebody. When encountered, the tag characters within the message arereplaced with data from a related data source. The specific tag'scharacter sequence is associated with a specific subset of the data inthe data source, such as a player's name in a data source of playerinformation. Processing comprises reading the data source and itssubsets, parsing the specialized tags from the message template,indexing the data source and replacing the tag characters with data fromthe data source to create a deliverable message for each item in thedata source. This sequence continues until all the data in the datasource has been included in messages. The messages may be delivered asthey are created or queued until all items in the data source have beenused to create messages, then all messages may be sent at the same time.

In one embodiment, a gaming system 100 may comprise a card readerinstalled in a gaming device 280 or remote player device 380.Promotional messages may be based on information obtained about a playerthat is either stored on a card inserted into the card reader or byusing identifying information from the card to access the casino'sproprietary database systems 170.

One embodiment of the promotional message server may also provide adynamic grouping function in which a subset of players currently gamingis selected and collected into a group. Casino operators may address amessage template to this dynamic subset of current players and send aspecific message or messages exclusively to that subset. These messagesmay be constructed using the dynamic data function. The dynamic groupingfunction may use criteria specified by the casino and available in thecasino's proprietary database systems 170 and criteria generated by livegaming activity to establish a profile that players must meet to beselected. The criteria may comprise loyalty points the player hasearned, a player's birthday, length of current gaming session, or otherdata that is collected by the casino on players and gaming activity.

The dynamic grouping function may be scheduled to run at time intervalsdetermined by the casino. Each time the interval is reached thepromotional gaming server searches for current players that meet theestablished criteria and builds a dynamic group then sends the assignedmessage to that group of players exclusively. The gaming devices 160,remote player device 110, card readers installed in gaming devices 280and remote player device 380, and casino proprietary database systems170 may provide data to search for players that meet the specifiedcriteria and assemble them into a dynamic group.

In one embodiment of the invention, the casino may advertise a casinosponsored event. The casino may use a user interface display toconstruct the message and schedule its delivery start time, duration ofthe message e.g. number of hours, days, weeks, or months that themessage will run, and specific values that weight the message's deliveryinterval and frequency amongst other promotional messages scheduled inthe system. The style of message may also be specified, including butnot limited to flashing, scrolling, scroll direction, and the use ofcustom graphics. The casino operator may also specify the criteriaplayers must meet to receive the message. Once the casino operatoraccepts the promotional message configuration, the promotional messageserver may deliver the message across a network to remote player devices110 or host gaming systems 160.

An embodiment of a gaming system 100 may provide for the electronictransfer of funds to a gaming device for the purpose of making wagers.When a player chooses a gaming device 160 to play remotely, funds areelectronically transferred to the gaming device and appear as credits onthe gaming device 160. The player then uses those credits to make wagerson game outcome. When the player is finished, the system transfers anyremaining credits on the gaming device back to the source of funds or toan alternate storage. Limitations on the amount of funds transferred maybe set for a minimum or maximum amount transferred, a minimum or maximumamount transferred within a given time period, or a minimum or maximumamount transferred for the life of the account, or a combination of anyof these. The limitation may also vary between accounts, permitting oneaccount to have a different limitation on transfers than another. Whenthe limitation set is reached, further transactions are prevented untilthe limitation is resolved. The limitation may be set voluntarily by theplayer, by the casino, or by a gaming authority. Limitations may be setfor all players within a specific jurisdiction or for selected playersonly. The source of funds used by a player for remote access play may bemaintained in a database located on a computer that is directly orindirectly connected to the casino network 150.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the invention whereby aplayer transfers funds from a bank account to a player account for thepurpose of wagering on games. Depending on the embodiment, additionalsteps may be added, others removed, steps merged, or the order of thesteps rearranged. Starting at step 601, a remote player device 110initiates an electronic funds transfer. Continuing to step 605, thecentral gaming controller 180 verifies the remote players bankinginformation. Next at step 610, if the banking information is valid,control transfers to step 620, otherwise control moves to step 615.Continuing at step 620, the remote player device 110 prompts the playerto enter the amount of the transfer. Moving to step 615, the centralgaming controller 180 verifies fund availability. Next at step 630, iffunds are not available control moves to step 615. Otherwise, controlmoves to step 635, where, in a one embodiment, the central gamingcontroller 180 may consult a casino database 170 and determine whetherthe remote players total gaming activity exceed limits placed on thatactivity. Next at step 640, if the limit is reached control moves tostep 615. Otherwise, continuing at step 645, the transfer is completed.Returning to step 615, if the players banking information is notcorrect, funds are not available or a transfer limit is reached, thenthe transaction is canceled and control transferred to the end state.

An embodiment of a gaming system 100 may record the interaction betweenremote players and host gaming devices 160 during remote gaming sessionsfor the purpose of resuming games in-progress after a communicationsfailure. If at anytime the connection between the remote player and agaming device becomes unavailable, the system has a sufficient record ofplayer positions to restart the game as at the time just prior to thefailure. Thus an embodiment of a gaming system may record, transfer, andreinstate on a like device an encrypted block of data representing theprecise state of a particular gaming device 160 at the time that thedata block is requested. The encrypted block of data is generated by thegaming device 160 and transferred using a communication protocol. Theencrypted block of data may be used to continue a game in-progress thatwas interrupted by a gaming device 160 failure or other system failure.In addition, the payer's wager and credit data along with gaming payoutdata may be included in the data block. The data may also be transportedto another gaming device 160 for the purpose of completing aninterrupted game or resuming a gaming session. The destination gamingdevice 160 receives the encrypted block of data, decrypts it, and loadsthe game state into its own systems, allowing a game in-progress tocomplete or a game session to continue.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a method for a gaming device 160 tobuild and deliver an encrypted block of data representing the completestate of the gaming device. Depending on the embodiment, additionalsteps may be added, others removed, steps merged, or the order of thesteps rearranged. Starting at 805, a central gaming controller 180 sendsa message to a host gaming device 160 to initiate the build of theencrypted data block. Continuing to step 10, the gaming device respondswith an acknowledgement. Next, at step 815, the gaming device 160 beginsthe build process. When finished with the build and encryption process,at step 820, the gaming device saves the data block to non-volatilememory in the gaming device. Continuing to step 825, the gaming device160 sets an indication that may be queried by the central gamingcontroller 180 as to the status of the build/encryption process. Movingto step 830, the central gaming controller 180 checks the gamingdevice's status. Next at step 835, if the build/encryption process iscomplete, control continues to step 840, otherwise control returns tostep 830. Moving to step 840, the central gaming controller 180retrieves the data block from the gaming device 160. Next, at step 845,when the central gaming controller 180 has retrieved the data block itsaves the data block to a database. Continuing to step 850, the centralgaming controller then checks the validity of the saved data block. Ifthe data block is not verified then the central gaming controllerinitiates another retrieval by returning control to step 840.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method for retrieving an encryptedblock of data representing the state of a gaming device from a databaseand loading the encrypted block into a gaming device. Depending on theembodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, steps merged,or the order of the steps rearranged. Starting at step 905, the centralgaming controller 180 retrieves a saved encrypted data block from thedatabase. Next at 910, the controller 180 verifies the integrity of thedata block. Continuing to 915, if the data block is verified, controlcontinues to step 925, if not control moves to step 920. Returning tothe flow of control at 925, the central gaming controller 180 notifies atarget gaming device 160 of an intent to upload the data block. Next, atstep 930, the target gaming device 160 responds with a messageindicating whether it is available for the upload. Moving to step 935,if the target device is ready control moves to step 940, if not controlis diverted to step 920. Returning back to step 940, the encrypted datablock is uploaded to the target gaming device 160. Next at step 945, thetarget gaming device 160 verifies the encrypted data block. Moving on tostep 950, if the data block was verified, the gaming device moves on tostep 955, if not verified, control moves to step 920. Continuing on tostep 955, the gaming device 160 initializes its state to the new statedefined by the received data block and the process moves to the endstate. Returning back to step 920, which is reached on error conditions,an error log entry is generated and the requesting process notified.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a gaming systemaccording to the present invention wherein the host gaming devices 160are available for remote play over a network that connects to a cablemodem termination system. The cable modem termination system 1005 islocated at the head-end of a cable television provider who makesbroadband network connectivity available as a service to its customers.Cable television customers who subscribe to broadband or digitaltelevision services access the remote network 120 through a digital homecommunications terminal (DHCT) 1000. The remote player device 110 may bea stand-alone cable modem or a set-top box that includes a cable modemand a digital television broadcast decoder. The DHCT 1000 may, in someembodiments include the remote player device 110. The remote playerinterface 300 may be any device or combination of devices that remoteplayers operate to interact with the remote player device 110, forexample, a television with remote control or a personal computer. Toconnect to the central gaming controller 180, a remote player uses theremote player device 110 to send messages, using, in one embodiment, IPdatagrams, through the DHCT and the cable modem termination system 1005.The cable modem termination system 1005 uses a network router 1004 toroute the IP datagrams over a network connection 140 to the centralgaming controller 180. The backbone network connection 140 can be anytype of network connection such as a dedicated T1 or fiber optic overwhich network traffic can be exchanged. In preferred embodiments thebackbone network 140 is part of a closed loop network. However, in otherembodiments, a public network such as the Internet may form at least aportion of the backbone network. Encryption of the data may beperformed, either at the endpoints such as remote player device 110, ata host gaming device 160, at a central gaming controller 180, overnetwork 120, or only over network 140.

Network traffic from the remote network 120 and backbone network 140travels over a number of virtual local area networks (VLAN) configuredusing a multilayer network switch 1022. Segmenting the internal networkinto VLANs creates security zones whereby only permitted network trafficappears on a given VLAN.

IP datagrams are received over the backbone network 140 through networkrouter 1020 and firewall 1021. Network router 1020 filters IP datagramsthat are not coded with the configured port for access to the gamingnetwork 150. If an IP datagram passes the network router 1020 it thenmust pass the firewall 1021 in order for the IP datagram to be processedby the request processing server(s) 1023 which comprise a portion of acentral gaming controller 180 in this embodiment.

The firewall 1021 has two network interfaces 1050, 1051; theexternal-facing network interface 1050 is connected to the router 1020and the internal-facing network interface 1051 is connected to themultilayer network switch 1022. In this configuration the firewall 1021acts as a type of network switch that may perform additional securitychecks on the IP datagram, then move the datagram to the internal-facingnetwork interface 1051 where the multilayer network switch 1022 movesthe datagram to the VLAN where request processing server(s) 1023 arelocated.

Each request processing server 1023 has two network interfaces 1052,1053, both connected to the multilayer network switch 1022. Each networkinterface 1052, 1053 may be configured on a different VLAN of themultilayer network switch 1022. The multilayer network switch 1022 movesIP datagrams between the firewalls 1021 internal-facing networkinterface 1051 and the request processing server(s) 1023 external-facingnetwork interface 1052. This embodiment provides a layer of protectionfor the host gaming devices 160 in the event that the request processingserver(s) 1023 are compromised.

When an IP datagram arrives at a request processing servers 1023external-facing network interface 1052, the request processing server1023 interprets the IP datagram and issues commands over itsinternal-facing network interface 1053 to the application server 1027.The request processing server 1023 may reject invalid commands or makeother determinations as to the appropriateness of a request that preventthe request from being passed on to the application server 1027.Likewise, the request processing server 1023 may request data from theapplication server for use in building its own response to the request,which may or may not require an acknowledgement from the remote playerdevice 110 as described below.

Command messages received by the application server 1027 may be recordedin a database using the database server 1025. The application server1027 then executes the command, which may include any function relevantto the operation of the host gaming device 160 and may or may not returndata to the request processing server 1023 for delivery to the remoteaccess player. In one embodiment, the database server 1025 may comprisethe casino database 170. In other embodiments the database server 1025and the application server 1027 may comprise the casino database 170.

Some commands may require the remote player device 110 to acknowledgethe receipt of information sent from the central gaming controller 180.For commands that require acknowledgement, the central gaming controller180 queues the status of the messages that are sent to the remote playerdevice 110. The status of messages sent but not acknowledged is storedin a database as “open” using the database server 1025. When the remoteplayer device 110 receives the message it sends an acknowledgmentmessage back to the central gaming controller, which in turn marks themessage in the database as “closed”; indicating that the message hasreached its destination and has been acknowledged. If the message is notacknowledged within a specified timeout, the message is resent. FIG. 4depicts the sequence of events for the receipt, queuing and responseloop for qualifying messages.

Recording of messages between the remote player device 110 and a hostgaming device 160 by the central gaming controller 180 allows each gameor transaction, on both the host gaming device 160 and remote playerdevice 110, to be recorded. This allows each host gaming device orremote player device to be individually auditable using standardaccounting practices in the gaming jurisdiction where the game islocated. In one embodiment, a third party, such as a gaming authoritymay be sent the records of games and transactions online by the gamingsystem 100.

When the application server 1027 receives a command request thatrequires communication with gaming devices 160, 161, 162 it connects tothose devices using terminal server 1035. Terminal server 1035 providesEthernet connectivity to the RS232 serial interface 1054 of the game.Through that interface the remote player device 110 communicates to thegaming devices 160, 161, 162 using a communications protocol supplied bythe gaming machine manufacturer. The protocol includes commands thatpermit the remote operation of the gaming devices 160, 161, 162 and thereporting of game results so that the application server 1027 cancontrol remote play.

FIG. 11 depicts a more detailed network diagram of one embodiment ofnetwork 150 and elements of a gaming system 100 connected to network150. This includes a host gaming device 160, and a database 160. As inthe embodiment of FIG. 10, a central gaming controller 180 may becomprised of request processing servers 1027 and an application server1023 connected to one or more VLANs of network 150.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to beembraced within their scope.

1. A gaming system comprising: a data network, wherein the data networkis comprised of at least one logical segment, wherein at least onelogical segment is a closed-loop network configured to serve at least afirst geographic location; a host gaming device connected to the datanetwork, the gaming device configured to execute at least one gamewherein the host gaming device is in a second geographic location,wherein the second geographic is approved by a gaming agency; aplurality of remote player devices connected to the closed-loop network;and a central gaming controller configured to create an auditable recordof gaming transactions on the host gaming device and on each of theplurality of remote player devices, wherein the plurality of remoteplayer devices are each configured to receive game information providedby the host gaming device, and wherein the host gaming device isconfigured to provide game information to a predetermined number ofpermitted remote player devices wherein said predetermined number ispredetermined by the gaming agency.
 2. A gaming system comprising: adata network; a host gaming device connected to the data network, thegaming device configured to execute at least one game; and a pluralityof remote player devices connected to the data network, wherein theplurality of remote player devices are each configured to receive gameinformation provided by the host gaming device, wherein the host gamingdevice is configured to provide game information to a predeterminednumber of permitted remote player devices, and wherein at least one ofthe plurality of remote player devices is permitted based upon, at leastin part, the geographic location of the remote player device.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the predetermined number is determined by agaming agency.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of theplurality of remote player devices is permitted based upon, at least inpart, an age of a user of the remote player device.
 5. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the data network is, at least in part, the Internet. 6.The system of claim 2, wherein the data network is comprised of at leastone logical segment.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein at least onelogical segment is a closed-loop network.
 8. The system of claim 6,wherein the host gaming device is configured to identify the geographiclocation of a remote player device based, at least in part, on a logicalsegment corresponding to the remote player device.
 9. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the host gaming device is configured to identify thegeographic location of a remote player device based, at least in part,on information provided by a mobile communications network.
 10. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the host gaming device is configured toidentify the geographic location of a remote player device based, atleast in part, on information provided by a GPS device.
 11. The systemof claim 2, wherein the data network is, at least in part, the casinointranet.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the data network is, atleast in part, the hotel intranet.
 13. The system of claim 2, whereinthe data network is, at least in part, a wireless network.
 14. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the host gaming device is in a locationapproved by a gaming agency.
 15. The system of claim 2, wherein the hostgaming device includes at least one game control configured to providelocal use.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the host gaming device isconfigured to disable local use when the host gaming device is providinggame information to a remote player device.
 17. The system of claim 2,wherein each of the remote player devices is in a location approved by agaming agency.
 18. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a centralgaming controller configured to create an auditable record of gamingtransactions on the host gaming device.
 19. The system of claim 2,further comprising: a central gaming controller configured to create anauditable record of gaming transactions on each of the plurality ofremote player devices.
 20. The system of claim 2, wherein the gaminginformation is, at least in part, software.
 21. The system of claim 2,wherein at least one remote player device is coupled to a credentialdevice configured to receive information relating to a user of theremote player device.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein theinformation relating to the user is an age of the user.
 23. The systemof claim 21, wherein the information relating to a user is a passwordthat is input by the user.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein thecredential device is an input device configured to receive a passwordfrom the user.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the credential deviceis a smart card reader.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein thecredential device is a biometric device.
 27. The system of claim 21,wherein the biometric device is a fingerprint reader.
 28. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising: a database configured to provideinformation associated with each of a plurality of users of the gamingsystem.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the information associatedwith a user includes a password.
 30. The system of claim 28, wherein theinformation associated with a user includes an age of the user.
 31. Thesystem of claim 28, wherein the information associated with a userincludes information relating to a fingerprint of the user.
 32. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the host gaming device is configured toencrypt the game information.
 33. The system of claim 2, wherein thegame information is provided via a public email system.
 34. The systemof claim 2, wherein the game information is provided via a private emailsystem.
 35. The system of claim 2, wherein the game information isprovided through a public messaging system.
 36. The system of claim 2,wherein the game information is provided through a private messagingsystem.
 37. The gaming system of claim 2, further comprising: apromotional message server configured to provide customized promotionalmessages wherein each message is customized with information associatedwith a user of the gaming system; wherein the plurality of remote playerdevices are each configured to receive game information provided by thehost gaming device and to receive and present promotional messages. 38.The system of claim 37, wherein promotional message are comprised ofbonus information.
 39. The system of claim 37, wherein promotionalmessage are comprised of jackpot information.
 40. The system of claim37, further comprising: at least one database configured to provideinformation associated with a plurality of users of the gaming system.41. The system of claim 40, wherein the database is configured toprovide information which forms, at least in part, the content of thepromotional message.
 42. The system of claim 40, wherein the database isconfigured to provide information which comprises, at least in part, thecontent of the promotional message.
 43. The system of claim 37, whereineach of the plurality of remote game devices is associated with a user.44. The system of claim 37, further comprising a smart card readerconfigured to provide information associated with a user of the gamingsystem.
 45. The system of claim 37, wherein each of the plurality ofremote player devices is configured to receive and present thepromotional message in conjunction with game information provided by thehost gaming device.
 46. The system of claim 45, wherein each of theplurality of remote player devices is configured to present thepromotional message for an amount of time.
 47. The system of claim 45,wherein the amount of time is based, at least, in part on informationassociated with the promotional message.
 48. The system of claim 37,wherein the promotional messages are transported via an instantmessaging system.
 49. The system of claim 37, wherein the promotionalmessages are transported via an email system.
 50. The system of claim 2,further comprising: a video display device in communication with theremote player device; and a remote control device in communication withthe remote player device, wherein the remote player device is configuredto receive game information provided by the host gaming device and theremote control device is configured to control operation of a game. 51.The system of claim 50, wherein the video display device is atelevision.
 52. The system of claim 50, wherein the video display deviceis a computer.
 53. The system of claim 50, wherein the video displaydevice is a control device.
 54. The system of claim 50, wherein theremote player device is coupled to a cable television system.
 55. Thesystem of claim 50, wherein the data network is, at least in part, theInternet.
 56. The system of claim 50, wherein the data network is, atleast in part, the casino intranet.
 57. The system of claim 50, whereinthe data network is, at least in part, the hotel intranet.
 58. Thesystem of claim 50, wherein the data network is, at least in part, awireless network.
 59. The system of claim 50, further comprising: acentral gaming controller configured to create an auditable record ofgaming transactions on the host gaming device.
 60. The system of claim50, further comprising: a central gaming controller configured to createan auditable record of gaming transactions on each of the plurality ofremote player devices.
 61. A gaming system comprising: a data network; ahost gaming device in a location approved by a gaming agency connectedto the data network, the gaming device configured to execute at leastone game; and a plurality of remote player devices connected to the datanetwork, wherein the plurality of remote player devices are eachconfigured to receive game information provided by the host gamingdevice, and wherein the host gaming device is configured to disablelocal use of the gaming device when providing game information to theremote player devices.
 62. The system of claim 61, further comprising: acentral gaming controller configured to create an auditable record ofgaming transactions on the host gaming device.
 63. The system of claim61, further comprising: a central gaming controller configured to createan auditable record of gaming transactions on each of the plurality ofremote player devices.
 64. The system of claim 61, wherein the hostgaming device is configured to allow no more than a predetermined numberof remote player devices to concurrently receive game informationprovided by the host gaming device.
 65. A gaming system comprising:gaming means comprising a first electronic device for executing at leastone game, the game providing game information during execution; localaccess means for providing local access to the game information for auser in a location approved by a gaming agency; player means comprisinga second electronic device for receiving game information, presentinggame information and providing at least one game control; means forproviding the game information over a data network to a predeterminednumber of receiving means; means for determining the location of thereceiving means, wherein said local access means is configured toprovide local access based on output of the means for determining thelocation; and means for disabling the local access means.
 66. The systemof claim 65, further comprising: a means for creating an auditablerecord of gaming transactions on the gaming means.
 67. The system ofclaim 65, further comprising: a means for creating an auditable recordof gaming transactions on the playing means.
 68. The system of claim 65,wherein the predetermined number is determined by a gaming agency. 69.The system of claim 65, further comprising: means for receivinginformation associated with a user of the gaming system.
 70. The systemof claim 69, wherein the information associated with the user includesthe age of the user.
 71. The system of claim 69, wherein the means forreceiving information associated with a user is a smart card reader. 72.The system of claim 69, wherein the means for receiving informationassociated with a user is a biometric identity device.
 73. The system ofclaim 69, wherein the means for receiving information associated with auser is a keyboard configured to receive a password.
 74. The system ofclaim 69, wherein the user information includes, at least, a credentialfor authentication of the user.
 75. The system of claim 74, furthercomprising: means for authenticating the credential coupled to means forlimiting access to the gaming system.
 76. A gaming system comprising: adata network; a first host gaming device connected to the data network,the gaming device configured to: execute at least one game, generate agaming state based on execution of at least one game; encrypt the gamingstate; and send the encrypted gaming state over the data network anddiscontinue executing the at least one game on the first gaming devicesubsequent to sending the encrypted gaming state; a second host gamingdevice connected to the data network, the gaming device configured to:receive the encrypted gaming state over the data network; decrypt thegaming state; resume executing the at least one game from the gamingstate; and a plurality of remote player devices connected to the datanetwork, wherein the plurality of remote player devices are eachconfigured to receive game information provided by the host gamingdevice.
 77. The system of claim 76, wherein the remote player devicesare each configured to receive an encrypted gaming state from a firstgaming device over the data network and to send the encrypted gamingstate to the second gaming device.
 78. The system of claim 77, whereinthe first gaming device is the second gaming device.
 79. The system ofclaim 76, wherein the second gaming device is configured to receive anencrypted gaming state from a first gaming device over the data network.80. The system of claim 76, wherein the gaming state includes userpayment information.
 81. The system of claim 76, wherein the gamingstate includes gaming machine payout information.
 82. The system ofclaim 76, further comprising: a central gaming controller configured tocreate an auditable record of gaming transactions on the host gamingdevice.
 83. The system of claim 76, further comprising: a central gamingcontroller configured to create an auditable record of gamingtransactions on each of the plurality of remote player devices.
 84. Agaming system comprising: a first electronic device comprising: meansfor executing at least one game; means for generating a gaming statebased on execution of at least one game; means for encrypting the gamingstate; means for sending the encrypted gaming state, wherein said meansfor executing the at least one first game is configured to anddiscontinue executing the at least one game on the first gaming devicesubsequent to the sending; a second electronic device comprising: meansfor receiving the encrypted gaming state; means for decrypting thegaming state; and means for resuming executing at least one game fromthe gaming state.
 85. The system of claim 84, wherein the gaming stateincludes user payment information.
 86. The system of claim 84, whereinthe gaming state includes gaming machine payout information.
 87. Thesystem of claim 84, further comprising: a means for creating anauditable record of gaming transactions on the host gaming device. 88.The system of claim 84, further comprising: a means for creating anauditable record of gaming transactions on each of the plurality ofremote player devices.
 89. A gaming system comprising: a data network; ahost gaming device interfaced to the data network; a plurality of remoteplayer devices interfaced to the data network; and a security deviceconfigured to provide player credentials to at least one remote playerdevice, wherein the plurality of remote player devices are eachconfigured to receive game information provided by the host gamingdevice, wherein the host gaming device is configured to provide gameinformation to a predetermined number of permitted remote player deviceswherein said predetermined number is predetermined by the gaming agency,and wherein at least one of the plurality of remote player devices ispermitted based upon, at least in part, on player credentials providedby the security device.
 90. The system of claim 89, wherein the securitydevice is a smart card reader.
 91. The system of claim 89, wherein thesecurity device is a biometric device.
 92. The system of claim 89,wherein the security device is an input device.
 93. The system of claim92, wherein the player credentials are, at least in part, a password.94. The system of claim 89, wherein the remote player device isauthorized to receive game information provided by the host gamingdevice based, in part, on the player credentials.
 95. The system ofclaim 89, further comprising: a central gaming controller configured tocreate an auditable record of gaming transactions on the host gamingdevice.
 96. The system of claim 89, further comprising: a central gamingcontroller configured to create an auditable record of gamingtransactions on each of the plurality of remote player devices.
 97. Agaming system comprising: a data network comprised of a plurality oflogical segments wherein a security policy controls the flow of databetween logical segments; a host gaming device connected to the datanetwork, the gaming device configured to execute at least one game; anda plurality of remote player devices connected to the data network,wherein the plurality of remote player devices are each configured toreceive game information provided by the host gaming device, and whereinthe plurality of remote player devices are each configured to control agaming session established on the gaming device subject to the securitypolicy wherein the security policy is based, at least in part, on thegeographic location of a logical segment associated with the remoteplayer devices.
 98. The system of claim 97, further comprising: acentral gaming controller configured to create an auditable record ofgaming transactions on the host gaming device.
 99. The system of claim97, further comprising: a central gaming controller configured to createan auditable record of gaming transactions on each of the plurality ofremote player devices.